The role of libraries in the community is an important one and has long been appreciated by New York State's citizens. Last
year, the Assembly echoed their appreciation of the role that public libraries and library systems play with their resounding
override of the Governor's veto of the library funding restorations. Despite the overwhelming show of support for public library
funding by the legislature, the Executive has again proposed a cut to libraries in his budget this year. This proposed 5% cut
would represent a devastating loss to many public and school library systems. There has been no increase in funding since
FY 1998-99, when the library funding formula was fully funded for the first time since it was amended in FY 1993-94. With the
ever-growing costs associated with providing library services to a community, even a 5% reduction could lead to a loss of
services, or potentially the closing of some of the State's school library systems. Additionally, a 5% reduction in state support
will lead to an automatic 5% reduction in federal library funding, which is equivalent to nearly $500,000 in aid.

This year the legislature negotiated and passed a budget that restored this important funding to libraries and systems
throughout the state. Once again this important funding was vetoed by the Governor. These hearings are to allow members of
the library community to give testimony as to the impact of these cuts on their ability to serve the public.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the
enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons
may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to ten minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to
accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be
made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate
advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in
hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on the Impact of the Governor's Vetoes on Public Libraries and
Library Systems are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail or fax it to: